The Conversation Weekly The Making of an Autocrat: hijack a party
Dec 28, 2025
Erika Frantz, an associate professor of political science at Michigan State University, dives into the mechanics of authoritarianism. She discusses the defining tactics of modern strongmen, including the use of populist narratives and media manipulation. Frantz examines how Trump's rise parallels global authoritarian trends and identifies key moments that transformed the GOP under his influence. She also speculates on the future of U.S. democracy, highlighting the fragile nature of political systems even in established democracies.
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How Strongmen Sell The Need For Power
- Strongmen sell the need for a decisive leader and often use populist framing to undermine experts.
- They learn tactics from each other and present authoritarian moves as necessary to 'save' democracy.
New Media Undermines Party Power
- The changing media environment lets leaders bypass parties and build personal followings through new media.
- Weak parties create fertile ground for strongman rule even inside democracies.
Trump Initially Looked Like A Celebrity Candidate
- In 2015 Trump appeared as another celebrity candidate among many, not an obvious strongman yet.
- Frantz cautions against overemphasizing personality and stresses the political environment matters more.